1922 expedition

Warning: This exhibition and website contain some images of nudity and people in distressing circumstances. Visitors should also be aware that the exhibition and website include names and images of deceased people that may cause sadness or distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mararoa geological expedition to the Victoria River

Herbert Basedow journeyed to the Northern Territory in 1922 to assess possible oil deposits for the Mararoa Gold Mining Company.

The party, which included Frank Feast and prospector Billy Williams, travelled from May to September. For transport they used an Argyle car and horse-drawn buggy. At times the terrain proved heavy going for the car. They cleared rocks by hand and the horses had to haul the vehicle up sandy river banks. At one stage the carburettor caught fire but was extinguished before causing serious damage.

The country west of Humbert River station was too rough for the car and the party continued on horseback. They examined the geology around Wave Hill and Victoria River Downs stations, where Basedow treated Feast for malaria and saved a boy's life by removing an abscess near his throat.

In his expedition report, Basedow concluded that there was nothing to suggest the presence of oil, nor any valuable minerals, on the Mararoa block.

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Map outlining the 1922 expedition route in the Northern Territory

Mustering horses across the Victoria River, Northern Territory 1922

photograph by Herbert Basedowreproduced from film negative National Museum of Australia

Men and boys playing a game of 'gorri', Humbert River station, Northern Territory 1922

photograph by Herbert Basedowreproduced from glass plate negative National Museum of Australia

Spearing games were played in many Aboriginal communities and were known by various names. At Humbert River, where the game was called 'gorri', Herbert Basedow observed two teams taking turns to aim short spears at a disc thrown by a member of the opposing side. The disc can be seen in front of the boy on the left.